A brand-new photo has just come out, giving us the best look yet at Iran’s unusual drone-carrier ship, the IRGC Shahid Bagheri. This ship, converted from a regular container vessel, is turning heads with its unique design and ongoing construction.
What’s So Special About the Shahid Bagheri?
The Shahid Bagheri is not your typical warship. It’s been adapted from a container ship and is now being set up to carry and launch drones. The ship has a long flight deck, and in the latest photo, we can see that it’s getting more advanced with a ski-jump ramp at the front. This ramp helps drones take off, even though the ship’s original design means it can’t have a flat deck like most aircraft carriers.
Why the Angled Deck?
Instead of a flat deck, the Shahid Bagheri has an angled flight deck. This design lets drones take off and land even with the ship’s original superstructure still in place. The deck has special markings to guide the drones, and there’s a big overhang on one side to help with the landing and takeoff process.
What Are They Planning to Do with It?
The purpose of this drone carrier is still a bit of a mystery. It might be used for launching medium-endurance drones or even some that can attack targets. The ship could also carry helicopters and smaller drones. It’s possible that the Shahid Bagheri could be used for missions that involve monitoring and attacking, but how effective it will be in practice is uncertain.
What’s Next for the Shahid Bagheri?
The Shahid Bagheri is being built by the Iran Shipbuilding & Offshore Industries Complex Company near Bandar Abbas. It’s expected to be finished soon, and another similar ship, the Shahid Mahdavi, is on the way. While it may not be a major threat to powerful navies like the U.S. Navy, it could still be used to create problems for commercial shipping and smaller targets.
A Symbolic Move
Even though the Shahid Bagheri might not be a game-changer in direct combat, it’s significant for Iran. It shows off Iran’s growing ability to project power far from its shores. The ship’s ability to launch drones anywhere could allow Iran to disrupt shipping routes and conduct operations in distant areas.
In summary, the Shahid Bagheri represents a bold and unconventional step in naval warfare. While its exact role is still unfolding, it’s clear that Iran is pushing the boundaries with this unique drone-carrier design.
